Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) organised the first edition of the Automotive HR Youth Workshop 2026 in New Delhi under the aegis of the SIAM Human Capital Group. The workshop was themed ‘Driving the Future: Youth, Skills & the Next Era of Indian Automotive Workforce’.
Focus on future workforce development
The workshop brought together senior industry leaders, CHROs from the automotive industry, young HR and cross-functional professionals, and academia to discuss skills, careers and workforce resilience for India’s rapidly evolving mobility ecosystem.
The day-long event featured multiple focused sessions, including ‘Future Skills & Best Practices’, ‘How to Build Careers in Automotive’, ‘Redesigning Automotive Careers for the Next Generation’, and ‘A Journey of Resilience and Leadership’.
Industry calls for continuous learning and adaptability
SIAM Human Capital Group Chairman, & Hyundai Motor India Vertical Head – People Strategy, Natwar Kadel, said, “The young workforce is already shaping the industry as it navigates rapid change. Their ability to take decisions and keep moving forward defines this transition, where learning, unlearning, and relearning matter more than ever. The automotive sector needs this mindset now, as we work to build the next generation of leaders.”
SIAM Human Capital Group Co-Chairman and Hero MotoCorp CHRO, Madhuri Mehta, said, “This is both the most exciting and the most challenging phase for the automotive industry, as the entire ecosystem undergoes a massive transformation. Auto plants today have evolved dramatically, and the focus must now shift towards preparing people for this new era of growth. Continuous reskilling and capability building will be critical to ensure the workforce evolves alongside the industry.”
Collaboration between industry and academia highlighted
Automotive Skills Development Council, Vice Chairperson & Co-Chair, SIAM Skilling Group and Operating Officer, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, Prabhu Nagaraj, said, “A skilled and future-ready workforce is essential in today’s fast-changing landscape. The opportunity is clear, but it will only be realised if industry, academia, and policymakers come together to equip young talent with the right skills. That is how we make them truly employable for what lies ahead.”
The discussions throughout the workshop highlighted the importance of industry-academia collaboration, Gen Z readiness and inclusive, high-performance workplace cultures for the future of the automotive sector.
Mir Ranjan Negi shares lessons on leadership and resilience
A special session on ‘A Journey of Resilience and Leadership’ was conducted by Mir Ranjan Negi, former Indian hockey player and the inspiration behind the film Chak De! India.
Drawing parallels between sports and corporate life, Mir Ranjan Negi said, “There is a strong similarity between a sportsperson and a corporate leader as both are driven by discipline, resilience, and the desire to bring pride to what they represent. When you stay fully committed to your goal, nothing can hold you back. There is no room for fear because those who lead from the front and stand strong in tough moments are the ones who truly rise.”
Industry leaders and young professionals participate
The programme witnessed participation from leaders across the automotive and mobility ecosystem, including representatives from Euler Motors, Hero MotoCorp, JSW MG Motor India, TVS Motor Company, JK Tyre & Industries, Deloitte India and Omega Seiki Mobility.
Young HR professionals from companies such as TVS Motor Company, VE Commercial Vehicles, Bajaj Auto, Ashok Leyland and Hyundai Motor India also participated in the workshop.